Great Joy (midi edition)

We heard this read at a Christmas program, and had to get a copy. It was read at Christmas eve to the family, and again the following week. It is very moving and demonstrated the real importance of each person we meet. A must read!

This story and its accompanying pictures take place back in time, around the 1950s, when street corners would be spotted with self-employed opportunists who would entertain or sell you some gadget or gizmo. In this story, there is an organ grinder, with a small costumed monkey, playing music for people on the street. Crowds would pass by and enjoy the sounds of the organ grinder and the antics (that's behavior) of the monkey. From an apartment window above the street level, a little girl named Frances would watch the man and his monkey, both during the day and the night. Frances became concerned about the man and his monkey and what happens to them at night. Now Frances' mother was sewing her a robe for the church pageant; she was going to be an angel. That night, Frances made herself stay awake because she wanted to see if the old man and his monkey were still out on the street corner so late at night. Yes, she saw them, and called to them; the old man waved his hat to her. Well, the next morning, Frances told her Mother that they sleep on the street, even in the snow. She even wanted to invite them for dinner, but her Mother said they couldn't because they were strangers. Frances and her Mother, dressed in their winter coats and boots, walked in the snow. Frances saw that the man and the monkey were still on the street corner; she placed a coin in the monkey's cup, and invited the man to the Christmas play, that night. She explained that she was in the Christmas play at the church. She even asked him if he wanted to hear her one line in the play. Before he could say anything, Frances' Mother hurried her on so they wouldn't be late. Frances could see the sad eyes on the man's face. He just smiled at her. By the time Frances had put on her wings and halo, it was her turn to speak. The other characters waited, but Frances couldn't speak. All she could think of was how cold it was outside for the man and his monkey; she remembered how sad the man looked. All of a sudden, at the back of the church, the door opened; in came the man and his monkey, and in the midst of the quiet church, Frances smiled and shouted, "Behold! I bring you tidings of Great Joy!" The man walked in with the monkey. More than that, he spent time with the people in the church. Frances had made one person's world better that night by showing that she cared. The artist, Bagram Ibatoulline, an acclaimed Russian artist, noted for illustrating children's picture books, used the acrylic gouache method, which is the mixing of glue with the paint. As you browse through this very simple book, you will notice the small details in the artist's brushstrokes; these illustrations compliment the author's text. The drawings look a bit like those of the renown Norman Rockwell, though these illustrations have a softness that Rockwell's artwork don't have. Some of the illustrations remind me of sepia photographs, with a bit of infused color. This book carries a powerful message of compassion in the child's heart.

I bought this book to read aloud at Christmastime to my 7 and 3 year old sons. The story is very sweet and touching, and the illustrations are beautiful. We all loved this book, and I know I will be reading it to them year after year.

I bought this book, last Christmas, for a friend and couldn't wait to get a copy for myself this year. I too was surprised by the seemingly abrupt ending. I am writing in response to the review that had nothing good to say about the book. I agree that this book is more for adults who will grasp its meaning. The person who wrote the review thought it was awful that he, the organ grinder, should be invited in, and then what? Back out in the cold? So, I'm wondering, should we do nothing because perhaps we can only do one thing? Look at the joy on the mans face! In a room that size, full of people perhaps there was someone who could offer him a place to stay. Oh how we limit what God can do when we open our hearts to care. May I also suggest that this may have been the first of many offers to come in from the cold, for a hot bowl of soup, hot chocolate or even a cool glass of lemonade on a hot day! Jesus said when you do kind things to others you are doing them unto him! May I also be so bold as to suggest that this may have been the end of the book, but only the beginning of the story. Think about it.

So, I know I'm supposed to comment on the quality of the delivery service. It was all great! I got it. Thank you. I shall however, give you my review on this book. A family favorite or ours. Our kids love it. We discovered this and read it to them a lot when they were young. Even in non holiday times. The positive Christian based holiday message, the dead on period drawn scenes. And the last page - - the money shot of the little girl who realizes the good she's done. Just looked at the exquisitely composed last panel of the whole cast and the line of vision of the little girl to the good deed done. Beautiful! Perfect!Highly recommend. Wish this team would do more books.

We first read this book at the library, and chose it as this year's addition to the family Christmas book collection. I want my children to understand and be sensitive to the needs of others. The girl in the story is both curious about and kind to the organ player. The illustrations tell much of what is not said in the story - her family's financial circumstances, the absence of a father due to the war, the concern of her mother both to keep up appearances and be safe. Each time I read it with my children, we see new details that add to the depth and reality of each character. We have read it many times, and with it packed away until next Christmas, I'm sure we'll enjoy it again and again.One note - I'm not sure why it's called a "midi" edition. I believe this might be better stated "mini" edition. The pages are about 6" x 8", but it's still adequately large to enjoy.

This is my favorite Christmas story. I am surprised to read any negative reviews. It seems to me that some readers have not fully understood the depth of this short work. When I read this story to my children, and I come to the words "the world was quiet", I am filled with tears. I explain to my children that this phrase tells us that the story is not just about the organ grinder. After all, the whole world isn't sitting in that auditorium. The world was waiting for the birth of Jesus. There are two(intimately related)layers of meaning. The organ grinder, with his monkey, enters the church. The poor are the face of Jesus on Earth. And the compassion and love of a child has made a difference in his suffering. We should love like little children. For me, there was no other way to end this story. Any more words would have been too many.

Just opened the package and immediately see it looks used.

This is a lovely, accessible, story about goodwill, compassion and the real moral meaning of Christmas, told in a simple but engaging way.The illustrations are gloriously traditional without being twee (in fact, the reminded me of Shirley Hughes most).The text refers to a nativity play but not to the Christian story itself, so would be suitable for all but the most religious and most anti-religious families.Recommended for primary-school children aged approximately 5 to 7.

Beautifully written story, with gorgeous pictures. A real treasure!

Perfect Christmas book. The story and the illustrations are superb

This wee story is so beautifully illustrated. I just wished that there was more of the story!

Heartfelt story with stunning hand drawn illustrations. Little ones can just sit and study the detail, like my 18 month does.